Easter is coming! Ideas/Inspiration

Easter is REALLY late this year... so time to plan! ...don't just dye eggs this year, add a little frosting!

Every holiday I swear I am going to make a matching wreath... it never seems to happen lol... IF I ever get around to an Easter wreath - this would be it! Source and tutorial 

Such a simple project! (also wondering if you could use no sew on doll stockings at the bottom - that's the same shape!) You could stuff with stuffing or even a surprise! Source and tutorial

After dyeing your eggs... add a paper flower cut-out and use on your table for extra cuteness! Source and free template download

I love that people are designing these neighbor tags for every holiday now! I definitely need to do something for mine! Source and download

April Fool's Day Ideas/Inspiration

I am not sure if you guys like to play tricks... but here are so fun ideas to inspire!

Start the day off with marshmallow and apricot "eggs"! Source and recipe

Fake me out brocolli! I am sure that I could even get my fiance' to eat veggies if they were made out of candy ;o)  Source and tutorial

 Sneaky sneaky... serve up these "nacho" cupcakes (or just a plate of "nachos") and watch your kids be fooled when they take a bite of these sweet treats! Source and recipe

More of a taco kind of gal? These dessert tacos wold be silly fun too! Source and recipe

Housewarming Party Ideas/Inspiration...

Sending good luck vibes to a buggy friend - Staci of Lizard and Ladybug - to sell and buy quickly ;o)

...as a side note, one of the best housewarming gifts I got was a crockpot with a recipe and all it's ingredients!

Super fun "we've moved" announcement design would work great for a housewarming party invite, too! I do think it's needs a "fragile" stamp, though ;o) Source

Homemade gifts are the best! These re-purposed plastic bins are turned into stylish utensil holders! They would make great decorations at the party or to hold tall snacks or silverware! Source and tutorial

A twist on a "diaper cake"... a dish towel cake is not only a stylish centerpiece, it's super functional after the party! Source

Using this house cookie cutter, cut cake or brownies, insert stick and dip in chocolate! Source

Help inspire the new homeowners! Paint chip cupcakes - using white fondant to write on with edible markers and pieces of colored fondant for the "color sample" - so clever! Source found via cupcakestakethecake blog

Shopping Saturday!

COMING SOON!!!

First, Pam (Party Starters) and I are SO excited! We are so close to launching our first online party magazine - wow, who knew how much work editing photos would be! heehee...

We aren't photographers, we aren't professional staggers... we are just moms that love everything party! and boy are we learning a lot about how much work goes into making a mag!  We hope you guys love it and get inspired!  Give us just a few more days ;o)










Here are my local finds (but from national chains) to help you stash away for your next event!

I love looking for things I can use for a cupcake stand! Easter egg stand would perfectly hold cupcakes! p.s. I suggest a ribbon for his neck ;o)

Found: JoAnn Fabrics
Section: Easter
Price: $9.99

Ice cream bubbles! Great favors for your Ice Cream Social or Summer parties! (summer!? where's spring!?)

Found: Target
Section: Party Supplies
Price: $3.00

Having a Cars party? These adorable guys would be great on your buffet tables...


Found: Target
Section: Easter
Price: $5.99

Super hero bobble heads! Batman and Superman!

Found: Target
Section: Easter
Price: $6.99

Are you in love?! Store these cute Birdie place card holders for your Bird, Garden or Spring themed parties!

Found: Pier 1
Section: Garden
Price: $12.95

Don't just get paper decorations for your next Tiki or Luau! Hang this sign up behind your buffet!

Found: Pier 1
Section: Garden
Price: $16.95









 

A tall pink flamingo! Stash her away for a Alice in Wonderland or just a fun Summer party!

Found: Pier 1
Section: Garden
Price: $29.95

Seasame Street Party Ideas/Inspiration!

Basing a party on your kid's favorite tv program is an easy way to chose a theme.  I know growing up Sesame Street was one of my favorites! (and smurfs and fraggles lol)

Sesame Street theme is so fun because you can really go crazy with colors, textures and shapes!

Start with a super cute invite - the iconic street sign is a perfect logo! Source

Awesome details.... colorful garland, characters in photo frames, character buckets - so clever! Source

On your dessert table continue all the pops of color - clever ideas: bins used not only right side up, but upside down too! Colorful labels on the lids of the snack jars! Source

heehee... her husband is such a great sport! LOVE the idea of an oscar the grouch trash can photo booth! major kudos! Source

Sesame Street cake pops would make a great favor and add lots of color to your table! Source and tutorial 









 

Tips & Tricks Tuesday! Fondant Flowers - you CAN do it!

I hope once the magazine is launched, I can get these done in during daylight hours and get better photos! lol.... I promise I won't do ALL food tutorial heehee...

I hope this tutorial helps inspire those that are scared of fondant! Fondant flowers that you can use to top sugar cubes, add to cake pops or any dessert!

Materials:
Fondant - store bought is OK!
Icing - again.. cheat!
Icing tip/coupler
Cookie cutters (flower set here)
Any rolling pin (mine is this one)
Sheet of wax paper
Optional:
Luster dust (cause I am an addict!)
Clean paint brush (for luster dust)
Flower drying tray

Roll out your fondant on a sheet of wax paper and cut out flower shapes....

I think I am addicted to luster dust...I think makes such a difference!

"Paint" on the dust with a clean, unused paint brush (optional)

Insert your tip inside the coupler & attach to the icing tube (or inside your pastry bag with fresh icing you show off! heehee).

Pipe a heavy dot and push down & then pull up quickly to achieve the centers...

Lay on flower tray if you want them to have a little "lift" in the leaves (or just leave them flat!)

I'll try to take a new pic in the morning...

but ta-da! SUPER simple - you CAN do it!!!









shhhhh.... secrets....

- To get your flowers out of small cutters, push lightly with the back of your paintbrush!

- Fondant too hard to roll out? put in the microwave 10-20 seconds (10 sec at a time) to help it be a bit more pliable...

- Cut a toilet paper or paper towel roll in half to use instead of the flower tray

- "glue" on flowers using royal icing (sometimes icing gel works too, but royal icing is much stronger)

Baby safari - baby shower ideas/inspiration!

A friend at work found out she's having her 2nd boy - totally making me want to have one soon! ... my time will come - maybe next year ;o)

Here is some frosting to add to a baby safari themed baby shower! ...and don't forget about this older (but still fresh!) frosting for safari themes here.

Great tip is to use things around the house (like house plants!) and toys/gifts to help set up the perfect table for your event! Source

Use bright poms and repeat elements like stripes to unify your theme.... Source

Add a fun paper palm tree and some animals to dress up the diaper cake!  p.s. you can find those wooden painted animals a lot of times at Micheal's & AC Moore craft stores... Source

Add animal print where you can! ...and SUPER genius move - adhere crepe paper to the spoon handles! LOVE! Source

Trick for any cake pop... use a round cutter on fondant, draw with edible markers, adhere with royal icing and add a coordinating ribbon! Personalize for any theme! Source